There’s something magical about that first day of the year that feels like winter. The sky is full of clouds; trees have lost most of their fall leaves, and it’s usually cold enough to wear your winter clothing. This is the time of year to visit (or re-visit!) some special places in Northern California that are even prettier during the winter months. Check out our list, and then hop over to see some of our go-to winter travel essentials as you plan your next adventure.

1. Driving from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe
Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Juanita Loya/EyeEm via Getty Images
The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is beautiful year-round, but it becomes a winter wonderland when covered in snow. The North Lake Tahoe area gets some of the most snow in California. Seeing the forest pine trees covered in snow is truly breathtaking. It takes a little over an hour to drive from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe without any stops.
Be sure to take time to stop in the little towns along the drive, like Tahoe City, Homewood, and several other small stops. If the snow is not too high, or if a path is already made, you can walk along the beach and snag some great photos.
Laszlo Podor/Moment via Getty Images
This probably goes without saying but if you want to have the option to hike or walk around the area, bring some extra socks in case snow gets in your boots. Pocket warmers are also a great idea while exploring the snow in Tahoe!
This is one of several stunning views you can see of Lake Tahoe. This view from the south side of the lake really shows just how lucky Northern Californians are to have this in their backyard.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
stevedunleavy.com/Moment via Getty Images
You can see this view while driving into South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50. You can also get a great view of Tahoe and Emerald Bay from Inspiration Point, which is on the drive south from Truckee.
2. Mount Shasta & surrounding towns
Mount Shasta, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA
Stuart Rankin/Flickr
Mount Shasta is beautiful in the summer but it’s even more amazing in the winter. To be clear, there’s the lake and then the mountain, and the neighboring town with the same name as the mountain. So you’ll be able to see Mount Shasta from the town of Mount Shasta.
In the winter you can ski Mount Shasta and then spend the evening going out to dinner in the town of Mount Shasta.
Brent Doscher/Aurora Photos/Cavan via Getty Images
There are also a number of neighboring towns that are very charming and not overcrowded– McCloud, Weed, and Dunsmuir. You’ll find this mountain resort area is much less crowded than Lake Tahoe!

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3. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Weili Li/Moment via Getty Images
Winter is a great time to visit Point Reyes National Seashore. One of the big draws to the area is the lighthouse and the incredible ocean and beach views.
There are typically fewer foggy days in winter compared to summer in this area, so there’s a chance you could get a picture-worthy view of the beaches on either side of the lighthouse. Point Reyes National Seashore also has several beautiful trails that are less crowded in the winter months.
Alan Majchrowicz/Stone via Getty Images
You’ll be amazed by the diverse landscape of this stunning ocean-front bucolic park.
4. Bay Area Shopping Outlets – Livermore, Petaluma, Vacaville
Vacaville Premium Outlets, 321 Nut Tree Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687, USA
Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, 2200 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Livermore Outlets Drive, Livermore Outlets Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94551, USA
Butter Chou/Flickr
Didn’t get what you wanted for the holidays? The start of the year is a great time to do some shopping. January usually sees less retail spending, which means less crowded outlets. We admit, it would be a very long day to visit all three of these outlet malls, but it’s possible to visit two in one day.
5. Monterey Bay
Monterey, CA, USA
Melissa Tse/Moment via Getty Images
This coastal town is famous for its aquarium and landmarks. The town attracts more tourists during whale watching season, but the winter months miss that window so you can expect fewer crowds. Take this time to visit Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and Monterey Bay Aquarium – the major Monterey sites, perhaps with fewer crowds. Since Monterey never gets snow and very rarely gets freezing temperatures, you can do all the outdoor activities you would any other time of year. So plan to visit the beaches and hike the local trails.
6. Wine Country
Sonoma, CA 95476, USA
Napa, CA, USA
cristianl/E+ via Getty Images
You’ll have to wear warm clothing but winter is still a great time to visit wine country in Northern California. Most vineyards have cozy indoor tasting rooms, and some have patios with space heaters. Don’t let the cold weather keep you from doing a wine tasting trip!

What Northern California destination do you want to visit in the winter? Is there any typically warm weather place that should be seen in the winter, too? Tell us in the comments.

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